Quite sometime ago, Author Michael E. Porter wrote a book entitled, The Five Forces that Shape Industry Competition. The five forces are:

RIVALRY Among Existing Competition

         THREAT of New Entrants

            Bargaining Power with Suppliers

                Bargaining Power with Buyers

                     THREAT of Substitution – Products or Services

I believe each of these five forces lead to coaching experiences.  How do we deal with threats, either perceived or blatant?  How do we deal with rivalries…in a good-natured way…with good sportsmanship…or cutting down your competition for no sound reason?

What do you do for new team members…welcome them…put them through another round of proving themselves…or solicit input to work their strengths and weaknesses into the team matrix?

When a new project is handed to the team, what role, if any, do you play to bargain for a position and why?  Do you bargain for the benefit of your team and the success of the project…or for yourself?

While most of us are not award-winning Olympians, we do share an inner force that moves us to do our best, to receive a paycheck. We deal with issues of rivalry, bargaining power and competition.   May the force within you this week, help you Choose Who You Want to be Known As.  Enjoy your week.

“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coaching & Change Agent

The Five Forces That Shape Industry Competition, by Michael E. Porter, Economist Edition (1979).   Reviewed November 11, 2011.

Note: a quick search on Bing.com or Google.com will provide you with a multitude of examples of Mr. Porter’s “Five Forces”.